There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade chicken soup on a chilly evening. This recipe uses chicken drumsticks, delivering succulent, fall-off-the-bone meat and intensely flavorful broth. It's a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a truly delicious and healthy meal, perfect for quick dinner ideas and busy weeknights. This recipe is a staple in homemade cooking, and we guarantee it will become one of your best recipes.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken drumsticks
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup egg noodles (or your favorite pasta)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in a little olive oil over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a delicious base for your flavorful soup.
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Broth
Add the chicken drumsticks to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and water. Stir in the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily pulls away from the bone. This slow simmering extracts maximum flavor from the chicken and vegetables.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken drumsticks from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken meat from the bones, discarding the skin and bones.
Step 4: Add Noodles and Return Chicken
Add the egg noodles to the soup pot. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. This comforting classic is perfect for a quick and easy dinner or a satisfying weekend meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Soup:
- For a richer broth, roast the chicken drumsticks in the oven before adding them to the soup.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, turnips, or green beans.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked vegetables before adding the noodles.
- Don't be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Lemon Chicken Soup: Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the soup at the end of cooking.
- Chicken Noodle Soup with Vegetables: Add a variety of your favorite vegetables, such as peas, corn, or green beans, during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on ingredients used, but a reasonable estimate is:
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This delicious and easy chicken soup recipe is a perfect addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and easy recipes. Enjoy!